Everywhere you look, fans are quick to share their lists of the top releases of 2025. Yet, where are the flops, the underperformers? It's time to take a momentary detour to examine the most panned games of the year, as determined by the critical consensus on Metacritic. Are all of these games as bad as the ratings suggest? Let's find out.
10. Welcome Tour for Switch 2
Metascore: 54/100, User Score: 3.4/10
First impressions to this tech demo were shaped by its $9.99 price tag, with many voicing frustration it wasn't a complimentary title like some other console launches. Reviewer sentiment spanned a wide spectrum, from scathing critiques to slightly kinder takes that praised the charming software underneath the controversy. Regardless of the grumbling, the title proved to be a notable commercial performer during its launch month.
9. Rennsport
Metascore: 53/100, User Score: 3.2/10
Marketed as "more than a racing game," this simulation from Competition Company and Teyon received overwhelmingly poor reviews. Reviews pointed out that the game fell short in nearly every way, notably in a year filled with high-quality racing titles. For many, this underwhelming entry was better off left in the garage.
8. Bubsy's Purrfect Collection
Aggregate Score: 53/100, User Score: 8.6/10
Before we start: the confusing colon usage is a minor annoyance. This anthology of SNES and PS1 Bubsy titles features a sarcastic feline known for incessant hacky one-liners. The consensus was that these games were not good in their time and have not improved with age. The notably positive user score is a baffling anomaly to the Metascore.
7. Hunter x Hunter Fighting Game
Metascore: 53, User Score: 3.5
This *Hunter x Hunter* fighting game was met with harsh criticism from both professionals and fans. It was lambasted for a small character selection and a minimal offering of features. Player sentiment was especially vitriolic, with some voicing a desire that the title's failure would have consequences for similar releases.
6. Neptunia Motorcycle Game
Metascore: 51, User Score: 5.3
A part of the niche Hyperdimension Neptunia series, this bike-riding title tasks players with gathering Dogoos. The assessment was that its goal to channel a *Katamari Damacy*-like experience ultimately fell flat, coming across as more of a low-effort product than a worthy addition to the franchise. Its 3-hour duration combined with a $40 price tag was criticized.
5. Captain Blood
Metascore: 50, User Score: 5.3
This title is a piece of lost media from the past, launched after a very long time in production delays. The developers opted to keep the game as an authentic experience of its time, acknowledging that contemporary players might not appreciate its retro feel. As such, many reviews remarked that the fascinating story of its journey was more interesting than the end product.
4. Salvation
Metascore: 44, User Score: 2.4
This anime-art action game inspired by games like *Returnal* fell flat with critics. Frequent criticisms were repetitive adversaries, monotonous stage design, and a snoozy narrative. A much-criticized system involving the outfit degradation was seen as adding nothing and took away from the game's overall experience.
3. Paramedic Simulator
Aggregate Score: 44, User Score: 4.9
Think of the tense medical sims of the past, then strip away the compelling story. That, according to reviews, is roughly *Ambulance Life*. Reviewers found the emergency response sections to be tedious and repetitive, and the narrative's handling of its subject matter was criticized as being poorly executed. The overall experience was deemed a missed opportunity.
2. Tamagotchi Plaza
Aggregate Score: 43, User Score: 5.8
This departure from the classic digital companion formula transforms the franchise into a shopping simulation title. The result, according to critics, was a vapid assortment of repetitive tasks that rapidly became boring. Some reviews went so far as to call it one of the lowest-quality titles available on its platform, pointing to a complete absence of satisfying gameplay.
1. MindsEye
Metascore: 37, Audience Score: 2.5
Positioned as a high-profile crime saga from a ex-Rockstar veteran's industry veterans, *MindsEye* was a notable disappointment. Reviews heavily criticized its lousy combat, boring plot, and a plethora of horrendous bugs. Critics found it to be a significant step back compared to much older games in the same genre. Despite the sea of negativity, a few of positive user reviews found something to enjoy in the experience, serving as a distinct vote of confidence.
